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The Science Behind PISTA

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Developed by a group of psychotherapy practitioners in 1980, PISTA Sound Therapy is the product of years of research on sound and issues arising from various neurological disorders. When the Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme joined the research team in 1997, Dr. Siu Chung Wong and his team used PISTA frequency and research in healing sound to develop PISTA ski techniques that which applied their research in energy disruption on the body energy systems. The technique addressed energy imbalance among ski athletes and studied how the method can be integrated with mainstream medicine.

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Since 1969, PISTA has been conducting research on sound, light, and frequency to discover new ways of applying these to neurological disorders. New methodologies in structuring the treatment with sound, light, and vibration have also been developed and carried out by practitioners for behavior modification.

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​PISTA uses a complete system of healing that incorporates mechanical, psychological, bio-force, and biochemical aspects into its modalities. The PISTA modalities are different approaches based on a person’s specific needs. Each modality uses stimuli and the guidance of a licenced PISTA coach to help a person reach deep within themselves and identify the real issues and the corresponding resolutions.

 

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Contemporary Methods of Sound Healing

Now more popular and accepted in the mainstream, sound therapy or sound healing to others have two distinct areas of application—(1)sound for improving well-being and learning, and (2) sound for medical uses.

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Sound helps relax people and put them in a better state of mind. Once tension is released, the immune system benefits. Sound is also applied to specific areas including pain control, neurodevelopmental remediation, relaxation and stress relief, meditation, sleep, accelerated learning, enhanced productivity, consciousness raising, and connecting to spirit.

 

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Neuroplasticity

The core of PISTA modalities is based on neuroplasticity - the ability to change how our brain works by modifying thought patterns which result in significant changes to the brain’s structure. To achieve the desired outcome, PISTA utilizes brainwave feedback, brain training, brain entrainment, stimulation, self-regulation procedures, and coaching to change the mechanism of the brain and improve inefficient mental activities.

 

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Binaural Beats

Discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in 1839, a binaural beat is the third beat or signal that is detected by the brain when two tones of different frequencies are presented to the left and right ears. This discovery was followed by Gerald Oster’s extensive research on bin-aural beats, which led to the idea that when the brain starts to follow or resonate with this third beat, the effect called the Frequency Following Response is created. Oster’s research paved the way for more developments in using auditory simulation to enhance brain functioning.

 

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PISTA employed Oster’s research into the PISTA device to generate two tones, which the brain combines and alters into a single tone in the auditory process called brain entrainment. The frequency of this single tone may vary according to the state an individual wants his or her brain to achieve.

PISTA RELATED STUDIES AND ARTICLES

Gamma Oscillation Related Studies and Articles

  • Mechanisms of Gamma Oscillations. Click here to read.

  • A review of gamma oscillations in healthy subjects and in cognitive impairment. Click here to read.

  • Gamma Oscillations in Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Potential Therapeutic Role. Click here to read.

  • Gamma Frequency Sensory Stimulation in Probable Mild Alzheimer’s Dementia Patients: Results of a Preliminary Clinical Trial. Click here to read.

  • A pulse of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Click here to read.

Vibration Therapy Studies and Articles

  • Efects of vibration training on quality of life in older adults: a preliminary systematic review and meta‑analysis. Click here to read.

  • Effect of low frequency sound vibration on acute stress response in university students—Pilot randomized controlled trial. Click here to read.

  • Vibration Therapy and Its Influence on Health. Click here to read.

Binaural Sound and Brain Stimulation Related Study and PISTA Published Article

  • Dosage and Lasting Effects of Binaural Beats on Working Memory and Attention. Click here to read.

  • Mind and Mend Program: A Pilot Study Combining Binaural Beats with Self-Actualization Techniques to Develop a Therapy Protocol. Click here to read.

  • Modulatory Effect of Association of Brain Stimulation by Light and Binaural Beats in Specific Brain Waves. Click here to read.

  • Auditory Beat Stimulation and its Effects on Cognition and Mood States. Click here to read.

  • Stimulation by Light and Sound: Therapeutics Effects in Humans. Systematic Review. Click here to read.

Ongoing PISTA Research and Related Studies on Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline

  • (Ongoing Research) Caregiving for Dementia with Brain and Sound Stimulation using PISTA Therapy. Click here to read. 

  • Unique visual stimulation may be new treatment for Alzheimer's. Click here to read.

  • Gamma Band Neural Stimulation in Humans and the Promise of a New Modality to Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Click here to read. 

  • Multi-mechanical waves against Alzheimer’s disease pathology: a systematic review. Click here to read.

  • Long-lasting, dissociable improvements in working memory and long-term memory in older adults with repetitive neuromodulation. Click here to read.

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